Political Prisoners in Russia Today

Over the last two months the issue of political prisoners in Russia has featured high on the agenda. Thousands of people rallied to demand free and fair elections and urge the authorities to release political prisoners. A short while ago, a list of political prisoners with tens of names on it was submitted to the Presidential Administration.

At the same time, the leading presidential candidate, Vladimir Putin, has reiterated on a number of occasions that there are no political prisoners in Russia while opposition activists, human rights advocates, and the public differ as to who a political prisoner is. Are those accused of using violence included in the category? Are we talking about people who admitted guilty to serious politically-motivated crimes? Or is it just all those who were sentenced in pursuance of the Federal Law on Combating Extremism?

Then another issue pops up. What shall we demand of the authorities? Is our slogan “Free the Political Prisoners?” Or is it the matter of bringing their cases back for further investigation and court hearings? Still again, is it necessary for all the political prisoners to enjoy a special status?

To make the things even more complicated, the question remains whether it is at all possible for various public organisations and movements to reach a consensus when compiling a list of political prisoners. And if yes, what kind of procedure is to be used to agree on it?

Those were just several among the questions raised at a round table discussion on “Political Prisoners in Russia Today—the Issue and the Approaches.” The event was held at the HRC Memorial on February 17, 2012, and attended by some of the leading human rights activists, former political prisoners, and the media.

 

Continue to the Round Table’s summaries and full transcript in English

Part I Panel Talk › 

Part II Debate ›

Part III Conclusions ›